Dietary sugar: public health perspective

Abstract

This article surveys the latest evidence available on sugar and disease. Our focus here is on the direct health effects of sugar (sucrose). There has been much speculation regarding the specific role of fructose and whether this has a disruptive metabolic action when intake is high. However, the objective underlying this and many other aspects of the sugar question are still too unclear and add far too much complexity so as to be considered outside of the scope of a succinct and thoughtful entry intended to address the known or at least very probable health impacts of sugar (sucrose). Readers interested in an expanded coverage of other sugars are encouraged to look for other resources for the latest information currently available. Sugar substitutes are also well beyond the scope of this discussion. Some artificial sweeteners are discussed in other Encyclopedia entries (e.g., Aspartame, Saccharin), and one of the more reputable websites is provided for further information on that topic.